2019 FEBRUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL MONTHLY TEACHING MODULEyababaptistchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/... · other means of security and rely absolutely on Christ alone. It is of note

2019: OUR YEAR OF DIVINE REPOSITIONING (ISAIAH 40:1-5)

2019 FEBRUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL MONTHLY TEACHING

MODULE PREPARED FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHING PREPARATION,

YABA BAPTIST CHURCH, 19/23 COMMERCIAL AVENUE/RAYMOND

STREET, SABO YABA LAGOS.

FEBRUARY THEME:

LOVE SONGS THAT GLORIFY GOD’S LOVE

DIVINELY POSITIONED TO BRING MANY TO MATURITY IN CHRIST THROUGH SOUND

BIBLICAL TEACHING (EPHESIANS 4:12-14)

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Synopsis of Studies in February

Welcome to the month of February, the second month in the year according to the Nigerian Baptist Convention

Sunday School calendar, and the end of the second quarter according to the International Sunday School year

manual. This material is produced using both the International Sunday School Lesson and the Nigerian Baptist

Convention manual.

The general theme for the month is “Love Songs that Glorify God”. The texts for the first week is taken from

epistle of Paul to Philippians, while the last three weeks are taken from book of Psalm. The lessons in the month

emphasis how God expresses His love to His people and how we can reciprocate His love.

The first week lesson with the theme “Renounce Everything for Christ” challenges our hearts to the realities of

our walk with the Lord, with the need for mindset and value system re-engineering. It opens us to the demands

of our calling as believers, demonstration of unreserved devotion to Christ, and being ready to let go of anything

for the priceless benefit of knowing Christ. It is stressed in the lesson that nothing counts as Christ, and hence

nothing is worth our commitment to Jesus.

The second and third week lessons, Pondering God’s Steadfast Love and Praising God for His Mighty Works

respectively are all about acknowledging God in His majesty, His wonderful and awesome deeds to the children

of men. Our response to who God is, and what He does in offering praises and thanks are points to note. Our God

is faithful, Merciful, Just, and He answers prayer. All that God does is an expression of His love. Hence, He

deserves and demands our praises.

The last week in the month with the theme “Living with God’s Loving Assurance”, taken from Psalm 91 teaches

God’s promise of protection, care and life. Believers in Christ are enjoined to put their absolute trust in God who

is more than able to keep and care for us. Our security is assured only in Him. Therefore, we should discard any

other means of security and rely absolutely on Christ alone. It is of note in the lesson that, by strength shall no

man prevail.

As God continues His work of repositioning in our lives, may God continue to succeed in accomplishing His lofty

agenda. May we remain cooperative with Him as we submit to all He brings our ways. I pray all the resources

God has providentially brought our ways will not be a waste in Jesus name.

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YABA BAPTIST CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON REVIEW FOR FEB. 3, 2019

TOPIC: RENOUNCE EVERYTHING FOR CHRIST

DEVOTIONAL READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-58

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 3:7-14 EBH 216

LESSON AIMS: After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

Identify faith in Christ is not just the condition of belonging to God but the compulsion of following Christ.

Contrast a life that grows in Christlikeness with a life focused on status or attainments.

Identify and abandon one or more things that hinder his or her growth in Christlikeness.

INTRODUCTION AND LESSON BACKGROUND:

Jim Elliot says, “He is no full who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”. This points to the

words of Jesus, “what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul” Mk. 8:36.

Today’s lesson challenges our hearts to see where the Lord wants our priority to be, of the need for mindset

and value system re-engineering; life is not about what we have attained, but what Christ has attained for us.

The need to be preoccupied with what lies ahead and not by mundane things of the world is as well

accentuated. Therefore, our highest goal in life as believers is knowing and becoming like Jesus, and not

attainments/successes the world offers.

Paul wrote this letter to Christians in Philippi, a commercial city which hosted the first church planted on the

European continent by Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). The five Megathemes of the

epistle are Humility, Self-Sacrifice, Unity, Christian Living and Joy. The problems bedeviling the Philippian

church revolved around issues of self-prominence by the Judaizers premised on observance of the law,

promotion of self-interest and ego. The lesson hence punctured this premise and affirmed that every believer

in Christ is a first class citizen, either of Jews or Greek race. Therefore, the central theme of today’s study is

making Christ our priority, devotion and conduct, and making our value revolved around Him.

LESSON OUTLINE AND SCRIPTURE FOR DISCUSSION:

(1), Forsaking All to Know Christ (Phil. 3:7-9): Paul gave up everything for knowing Christ; this implies our

walk with the Lord definitely demands certain things from us. Like Paul, we must let go of what our faith demands

and focus on Jesus (Heb. 12:1-2). The point here is that, “Nothing counts like Christ”!

(a) Reevaluation of the Past (vs 7-8)

In the light of Paul’s credentials listed in vs 3-6, what are “the things (gains)” we could count as loss for

Christ? Share experience of precious things you have given up for Christ as a believer? vs 7

Discuss the benefits of giving up what your faith in Christ demands? What are the consequences of holding

on to what you should lose for Christ? Vs. 8

(b). Righteousness in the Present (vs 9)

How do we resolve conflict of righteousness by faith with self-righteousness (of keeping the law), and

maintain our identity in Christ? Discuss growing into Christlikeness at the expense of our status/attainments.

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(II), Becoming Like Christ: (Phil. 3:10-11): Our salvation points ultimately to “becoming like Jesus” (Rom.

8:29, Rom. 12:2, Phil. 3:10). Every believer should be preoccupied with this just as Paul was, placing no or

less premium on any other things. Ultimately, our boast should be that “we know the Lord, and that we are

His replica on earth”. (Jer. 9:24)

(a). Resurrection in the future (vs 10-11)

Discuss knowing Christ and the power the power of His resurrection? Explain “No Cross, No Crown”?

(III), Striving to Win the Prize (Phil. 3:12-14): The journey of faith is frontward direction till we finish the

race. We must be ready to pay the price of submission/obedience for the prize that lies ahead. Also, to attain this

precious prize, we must not be complacent or rest on our oars, we must forget the past (achievements or failures),

and fix our gaze on the future by looking on to Jesus (Heb. 12:2).

(a), Goal to Grasp (vs 12)

According to vs. 12, what should be our goals as believers? How would these goals be achieved?

What are the dangers of complacency? Discuss keeping the momentum of our pursuit of Christ to attain the

eternal goal?

(b), Race to Finish (vs. 13-14)

As believers, what are things to forget, and things to focus on as we follow Christ? What is “the prize of the

high calling of God in Christ Jesus”?

Discuss the power of “singlemindedness” in achieving goal.

Contextualization and Conclusion.

No amount of law keeping, self-improvement, discipline, or religious effort can make us right with God.

We should not let the past hinder us from attaining what lies ahead. Our focus must forwardly be on Jesus.

We should be liberal enough to lose what we must lose to enable us gain the riches we have in Christ.

We must allow the Holy Spirit work in us to continually maintain the momentum of seeking Jesus.

Nothing in life counts like Christ; nothing in the world is worth gaining at the expense of knowing Christ.

Our lives are not measured by how much we attain in the world, but by how much of God in our lives.

Believers are called to share in Christ’s suffering as a mark of our identification and devotion.

Knowing Christ and becoming like Him should be our ultimate goals as believers.

What do you need to renounce to gain Christ today? What are you gaining at the expense of Christ?

Golden Verse: Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I

press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus: Phil. 3:13-14

Thought to Remember: Let the goal of the Christian life shape your now

Prayer of Commitment: Father empower us for the race ahead! As we run that race, may we reflect on Your

grace anew and run with the end in view; the goal of resurrected, eternal life. We pray in the name of the one

who makes this possible, Your Son. Amen.

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TOPIC: POUNDERING GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE: DEVOTIONAL READING: PSALM 93

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: PSALM 48:1-3, 9-14 EBH 47


Discuss God’s great deeds among people in our time

Relate God’s greatness to His love for Humanity/ the concept of God’s covenantal love

Explain the danger of putting confidence in the methods God uses to protect us instead of trusting in Him.


As we ponder on God’s steadfast love, can we worship God with this song (“the steadfast Love of the Lord

never ceases; His mercies never come to end. They are new every morning, new every morning, great is thy

faithfulness Oh Lord, Great is thy faithfulness) –Lamentations 3:22-23.

The bible affirms that God does not deal with us according to who we are but by who He is. Man may seem not

to have reasons not to appreciate God, God has many more reasons we must acknowledge and appreciate Him.

His abundant mercies are more than enough to justify that. Our God is great, and awesome. -Psalm 115:1

The Megathemes in Psalm are, Thankfulness, Forgiveness, Praise, Trust and God’s Power. Psalm 48 explicates

the acknowledgement and celebration of awesome God the king, who is incomparable to other gods of other

nations. This God proves His being in the lives of His people, granting them protection and security, subduing

their adversaries. God chooses to manifest His presence with His chosen people. Meanwhile, His presence is

not confined to the borders of chosen Jerusalem, but throughout the World-Psalm 47:2. Our Great, Loving and

Merciful God reigns; He is worthy of our praises and adoration. Let us give Him our worship!


(1), Ponder on the Greatness of God (Psalm 48:1-3): Our God is great and He deserves our praise. He is

attributed with holiness and He comforts His people with His manifesting presence. He is the shelter and place of

refuge for His beloved. Indeed, there is no other god besides Him, He alone is the Lord.

(a) With His Greatness (vs 1)

How can we acknowledge and celebrate God’s greatness in our lives today? Vs 1.

Where is the city of God, the mountain of His holiness today? Explain God’s holiness? Vs 1

(b). With His Presence (vs 2)

How can you proclaim God as the source of joy in Nigeria and the world when religion seems to cause pains

and crisis in our society? Discuss the beauty and benefits of God’s presence.

(c). With His Protection (vs 3)

Compare and contrast trusting in the invisible God and having confidence in the arms of the flesh? Why do

you think a man should trust in the invisible God?

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(1I), Ponder on God’s Love and Justice (Psalm 48:9-11): Man should learn to inculcate the habit of meditating

on God’s attributes-His love, righteousness, justice and judgement, among others. God’s commitment to us is

matchless. We should not just be recipients of His goodness, we should be proclaimers as well.

(a) Because of His Loyalty (vs 9)

How can we prove God’s lovingkindness to our neighbours, especially the unbelievers? Jn. 3:16.

(b). Because of His Righteousness (vs 10)

How can you attest to God’s righteousness in the face of so much injustice in the world? Share your personal

testimony of His faithfulness on a specific matter.

(c). Because of His Judgement (vs 11)

What would gladden the heart of believers today about God’s judgement?

(1II), Ponder on God’s Goodness (Psalm 48:12-14): The presence of God guarantees His protection. His

presence is promised and assured. This should generate confidence to face life’s situations and challenges.

(a) Based on God’s Protection (vs 12-13)

How do we tell and imprint our experiences with God to our children? What are the benefits of doing so?

How do we explain the human security we employ today while confessing trust in God’s protection?

(b). Based on God’s Presence (vs 14)

How convincing is your confession of this verse as a believer? How can you prove God is both your God and

Guide?


Our God is awesome and incomparably great. He deals with us by who He is and not by who we are.

God demonstrates His attributes of justice, righteousness, lovingkindness to His people.

The sphere of God’s influence does not have boundaries; hence He cannot be contained.

God is not only present with us; He is present in us. He dwells in believers

Our trust should not be in the arms of flesh no matter how formidable they seem to be. God is our sure refuge.

Crisis and pains in the world cannot negate the truth that God is the indisputable source of joy in the world.

We cannot appreciate God enough, His deeds to the sons of men are beyond measure.

Learn or cultivate the habit of acknowledging and appreciating God’s lovingkindness every day.

Golden Verse: This God is our God forever and ever: Psalm 48:14

Thought to Remember: God’s protection is an expression of His love.

Prayer of Commitment: Lord God, you are our strong and mighty king. We thank you for the tangible ways that

you have protected us throughout the years. We thank you for governing us with your holiness and righteousness.

May we continue to express our love for you in all we do, think and say in Jesus name. Amen.

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TOPIC: PRAISING GOD FOR HIS MIGHTY WORKS; DEVOTIONAL READING: PSALM 114

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: PSALM 66:1-9, 16-22 EBH 318


Count their blessings and give praises to God

Discuss the impact that sharing one’s personal testimony can have on other believers.

Discuss the impact of making vows and its implication for Christians


This week’s lesson is an extension or continuation of last week’s lesson. And just like last week, it will be

appropriate to start the lesson with the refrain of one of EBH 318: count your blessing name them one by one,

count your blessing see what God hath done, count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise

you what the Lord done”.

God deserves and expects our praises and thanksgivings. When we praise God, our praises do not increase

Him, neither do our refusal to do so diminish Him. We praise God for our own good. We are the beneficiaries

of our praises and thanksgiving to Him.

The Megathemes in Psalm are, Thankfulness, Forgiveness, Praise, Trust and God’s Power. Today’s lesson

focuses on the need for believers to continually give praise, thanksgiving and offering to God for His mighty

deeds. The Psalm expresses trust in God, with concerns that nations will worship God, most probably nations

that have come out of either Assyrian or Babylonian crisis. This five stanza hymn of Psalm can be used for

praise, worship and deliverance.


(1), A Call to Praise God for His Power: Psalm 66:1-4: God asks for expression of our praise to Him, hence

the psalmist made an appeal to praise God principally for who He is, and for what He has done. We all have

reasons to praise God. Moreover, God can never ask for what He does not deserve.

(a) Appeal Made to Everyone (vs 1-2)

What are my reasons for giving thanks/singing praises to the Lord, even when my situations seem not to

justify it? Besides singing, what are other means of bringing honour to God’s name and reputation?

How is God’s honour/reverence traded off in contemporary church praises today? How do we correct this?

(b). Acclaim Given to God (vs 3-4)

What are practical ways of acknowledging God’s awesomeness as believers? Vs 3. How does God’s

awesomeness assure believers’ victory/dominion in life?

What should my church/believers do to make nations worship the living God? Vs 4, Matt. 28:18-20

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(1I), A Call to Praise God for His Preservation (Psalm 66:5-9): One of the many reasons to praise God is for

the preservation of our lives, for keeping us protected and safe from all harms. Our deliverance is as sure as God

Himself as long as we keep our trust in God that never fails.

(a) Recalling God’s Deliverance (vs 5-6)

Why does God display His awesomeness? How does God’s awesomeness affect the way you live?

How can we recount to each other our victorious history in God?

(b). Rejoicing in God’s Reign (vs 7-9)

What would help you live with consciousness of God’s sovereign power in times of challenges?

(1II), A Call to Praise God for Answered Prayers (Psalm 66:16-20): We are fortunate for having access to

pray to the God of heaven and the earth. He even promised to answer our prayers (Jer. 33:3); we have this

confidence in Him (I Jn. 5:14-15, Heb. 4:16). When God answers our prayer, it should be reciprocated with praise

and thanksgiving.

(a) Give Heed to My Testimony (vs 16-19)

Discuss the importance of testimonies? Why do people shy away from sharing testimonies today?

How do we ensure the testimonies of the Lord’s doing in our lives lingers for generations?

Discuss how to maintain a healthy heart as a believer, and its importance in relation to prayer? Vs 18

(b). Give Praise to God (vs 20)

Appreciate God for answered prayers


We are beneficiaries of God’s goodness and we should proclaim these wonderful deeds we enjoy.

God still answers prayers today like in the days of old. Let us remain true to Him.

God’s goodness is communicated to others through testimonies. Testimonies build other people’s faith.

God works every moment; we experience miracles every moment; our testimonies should be continual.

God delights in the praises of His people. God detests complains and grumbling.

God’s enemies bow before Him; God rules and reigns.

Golden Verse: Shout with Joy to God, all the earth: Psalm 66:1

Thought to Remember: Praise reminds us of God’s might, and God’s might reminds us to praise.

Prayer of Commitment: God we know you are always good, and always strong, regardless of our circumstances.

We praise you for the time you have been our mighty deliverer. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

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TOPIC: LIVING WITH GOD’S LOVING ASSURANCE

DEVOTIONAL READING: ROMANS 8:31-39

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: PSALM 91:1-8. 11-16 EBH 253


Discuss some causes of fear and the best way to dispel them.

Identify some of the things people depend on for protection.

Explain ways our church can extend our church can extend God’s rescuing protection to those in need.


There are countless promises of God affirming His faithfulness and commitment to His people in all facets of

life. There is no issue of life that is not covered by the promises, even to the seemly minute details.

Today’s lesson teaches the need to trust God for security all the time. Though God is invisible, He is felt in

all ways. Our protection is assured as we trust Him.

It is unfortunate many people today trust in many other things such as riches, power, charms, guards,

certificates, jobs, even their pastors and not God. Some Christians are culprits.

The Megathemes in Psalm are, Thankfulness, Forgiveness, Praise, Trust and God’s Power. Psalm 91 reveals

that God is our sure safe place, enough to be trusted in all circumstances. God does not promise a world free

from danger, but He promises to rescue whenever we face danger.


(1), God Promises Protection (Psalm 91:1-4): We can always count on God for His promise of protection. He

does not only protect us; He is our place of refuge. We must acknowledge this biblical truth and let it be in our

consciousness.

(a) Basis of Protection (vs 1-2)

According to verse 1, what is the secret place and the shadow of the Almighty? How can we dwell there?

Why do people tend to rely more on self-defense/fortification instead of absolute reliance on God?

(b). Form of Protection (vs 3-4)

Emphasize the assurance of God’s protection. How does this assurance build your reliance on God?

What is God’s truth? Explain how His truth serves as shield and buckler.

(1I), God Promises His Care (Psalm 91:5-8, 11-13): Those that have God and know they do have no need of

fear. God deploys resources at His disposal to cater for our needs. Even when tragedies and disaster strike, God’s

people are absolutely protected.

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(a)With the Help of Angels (vs 5-13)

Do verses 7-8 suggest tragedies are God’s means of punishing the wicked?

According verses 11-13, do we trust in Angels or God for protection? Give reasons for your answer(s)?

(b). Against Nature’s Predators (vs 13)

Why do some believers don’t live in the realities of their dominion in Christ today? Vs 13, Mk. 16:17-18

(1II), God Promises Life (Psalm 91:14-16): Besides God’s promises of protection and care, His cares for His

people extend to life. As God expresses His love for us so God expects us to set our love on Him. There are sure

rewards for loving the Lord. The way to show love for God is by our obedience to His commandments.

(a). A Basis for Blessing (vs 14)

How will you express your love for the Lord? What are the benefits of having genuine Love for God? Vs 14

(b). Forms of Blessing (vs 15-16)

How do verses 15-16 build your confidence in praying to God? Jer. 33:3, Heb. 4:16


Our protection/security is guaranteed in the Lord. This then calls for absolute trust/dependence on Him.

God answers when we present our petitions to Him. This should be our confidence in praying to Him.

We cannot deliver ourselves, God does. Then we should not play God.

Angels are created beings; they are ministering spirits running errands for God and man. Therefore, angels

are not to be prayed to or worshipped.

Our lives are so precious to God that He deploys His resources to care and cater for our wellbeing.

Golden Verse: He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and

honour him: Psalm 91:15

Thought to Remember: God is greater than circumstances.

Prayer of Commitment: Almighty God, You are our true protection and salvation. Please strengthen our trust

and protect us against evil and danger that surround us. Equip us to be agents of your protection and bold

proclaimers of your salvation to the end of the earth. We give thanks for all you have done for us, and for all your

promises. We pray in Jesus name.

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2019 FEBRUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL MONTHLY TEACHING MODULEyababaptistchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/... · other means of security and rely absolutely on Christ alone. It is of note